You’ve probably noticed that we all are surrounded by symbols of all kinds in everyday life – in clothing, signs, and even routine interactions with other people. The truth is that in most cases, we take all those symbols for granted. After all, they have always been there, and usually they go unnoticed.
However, the reality is that a lot of symbols that you pay zero attention to have incredible histories and deeper meanings than you could ever imagine. Below, we will take a closer look at why people like symbols and check out the most common symbols together with their hidden significance.
Why Are People Fans of Symbols?
Even if you do not notice it, symbols have a powerful impact on our minds. The point here is that they make all those complex emotions, thoughts, and ideas simpler and easier to understand. In other words, symbols foster a strong sense of connection to your personal experiences, spirituality, or/and history.
And since symbols offer meaning, comfort, and identity, it’s not a surprise why you may find yourself drawn to many of them whether in everyday life or when dealing with tarot card meanings or any other sacred séance. For example, if you choose to wear symbols like an anchor or a peace sign, it might serve as a signal of your personal values.
And the best part? These little yet so meaningful things are above all possible language barriers! In other words, they are a universal way to communicate thoughts, ideas, beliefs, etc.
Top Common Symbols Used in Everyday Lives
Today, we’re dealing with loads of symbols in everyday communication, and they’re known as emojis. On social media platforms, we use different kinds of emojis, stickers, and gifs to add a bit of spice to our cyber interactions. At the same time, the road signs like Zebra crossing are here and there, reminding us about the fact that we have to be careful in the traffic flow.
Finally, just take a look at the literature of the ancient era that is all created in symbols. Let us take a look at the most popular symbols that we see in everyday life, where they came from, and what they mean to all of us.
1. The Heart Symbol
In most cases, people think of love and affection when they see a heart shape. However, the origins of it are quite different. A lot of historians believe that it was the silphium plant seed that inspired this well-known shape. This ancient herb was used not only for seasoning but as a birth control helper. Over time, artists stylized the shape into what people all over the globe now recognize as the universal symbol of love.
2. The Symbol of Infinity
It looks like a sideways figure 8 and represents something endless and eternal. The roots of the ∞ symbol come from the concept of a lemniscate in math. Nonetheless, a lot of fans of spiritual traditions use it too because they believe that the symbol of infinity signifies unity, balance, and infinite possibilities.
3. The Evil Eye
A lot of cultures have the evil eye as part of their symbolic assortment. From the Middle East to the Mediterranean societies and far beyond – the evil eye is seen as a tool used to defend against envy, misfortune, and negative energy of all kinds. As a rule, you can see the evil eye being part of talismans and pieces of jewelry as powerful and protective elements.
4. The Crescent Moon
In many cultures and religions, the crescent moon is the symbol used to mark chance, feminine energy, and cycles. The crescent moon is directly related to the phases of the moon, transformations, growth, renewal, and so on. If you take a look at the culture of Islam, you’ll see that the crescent moon plays a crucial part, representing faith and guidance.
5. The Pentagram
You’ve definitely seen it many times in movies, videos, etc. However, this symbol is misinterpreted in most cases. The reality is that the pentagram is an ancient symbol that has diverse meanings. When it comes to early Christian traditions, the pentagram was the symbol of five wounds of Jesus Christ.
At the same time, in paganism and Wicca, this symbol stands behind five well-known elements: spirit, earth, air, fire, and water. Even though a lot of people link the pentagram with some occult practices, the historical significance of it is much more positive and broader than people tend to believe.
6. The Anchor
Typically considered an obvious maritime symbol, the anchor also represents hope, stability, as well as steadfastness. In the times of early Christianity, persecuted believers used the anchor as a hidden symbol of the cross. Nowadays, many people like to buy anchor jewelry and use it as personal reminders to stay resilient, grounded, and strong.
7. Tarot Symbols
If you take a look at the tarot cards, you’ll see how rich their imagery is! All those symbols carry hidden meanings that excite tarot fans all over the globe. For instance, The Fool represents a new beginning while The Wheel of Fortune tells you about the cycles of fate and change(s). Even if not in a tarot deck, these symbols tend to appear here and there in our lives and influence the areas of literature, art, etc.
8. The Peace Sign
The roots of the world-known peace signs come from 1958. That’s when it was designed for the British nuclear disarmament movement. If you study the structure of the symbol, you’ll see that the peace sign comprises the semaphore signals for two letters N and D, i.e., Nuclear Disarmament. With time, the peace sign has turned into the symbol of peace, love, and anti-war feelings internationally.
9. The Hand Symbol
Hand of Fatima, the hand symbol, or the Hamsa is an amulet that has the shape of a palm. Found in the North African and Middle Eastern cultures, it is used as the source of good fortune and protection from evil spirits. You can notice the hand of Fatima in home décor, jewelry, and as a tool for various spiritual practices.
